Alphons Joseph is on cloud nine. And the reason is that his song, Aaromale…in
Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (VTV), has become a hot favourite of the masses.
HOW IT ALL STARTED…
Rahman sir was present at the music launch of Vellithira, my debut as composer,
in Kochi, about five years ago. On the occasion, I sang a fusion song titled No
more alone… from one of our band’s albums. After listening to it, he asked me
if I wanted to become a music composer or singer.THE DEFINING MOMENT…
I was lucky enough to participate in the function organised by the music
fraternity to felicitate Rahman sir for having won the Oscars. Then a few days
later, I got a call from singer Srinivas, asking me to come and meet Rahman
sir. I was surprised. Lyricist and composer Kaithapram was also with me when I
met him at about midnight in his studio. He asked me to sing a song and I sang
the same song I had sung earlier. Rahman sir remembered that, and I was
surprised by his memory! He then explained the song Aaromale… to me and said
that the song should reflect the essence of a youngster.THE CHALLENGES OF
SINGING AAROMALE…
The song begins with the elements of Blue and concludes in a psychedelic rock
fashion. The chorus portion is based on the raga Bageshri. Adapting to the
quick changes in rhythm and the task of expressing mixed emotions were major
challenges.
THE EXCITEMENT…
The song was not there in the director’s version. It was Rahman sir who asked
Gautham Vasudev Menon to include it in the film. Hence, I was a little
apprehensive if the song would feature in the film. One night, I suddenly got a
call from Gautham and my joy knew no bounds. He is one of my favourite
directors and I leapt in joy when he appreciated my singing.
SINGER VERSUS MUSIC DIRECTOR
Though I have sung for my own compositions, Aaromale… is the first song I have
sung for another music director. I am open to singing for other music directors
but my first love is composing music.
GOSPEL CONNECTION
I have been a spiritually-inclined person since my college days. Later, I
became part of Rexband, a Gospel band, which has been regularly performing for
the Pope. The members of the band hail from different musical backgrounds and
it helped me to know and experiment with different genres of music.
AS PART OF THE JAI HO TOUR…
At the launch of VTV’s audio, I was amazed to see the response of foreigners to
it. It again proved that music has no boundaries or language.
ON MUSIC IN TAMIL FILMS…
Kollywood music is known for its orchestration, style of melody and reach. It
offers a lot of freedom to experiment. I think my style of music will suit
Tamil films.
WHAT NEXT?
I’m busy with the music of a few projects in Malayalam and talks are on to do a
Hindi film too. I’d love to compose music for a Tamil film soon.
WHY I LOVE RAHMAN…
Apart from being a musical wizard, Rahman is also deeply spiritual. I admire
him for that. He has defied the notion that one needs to have a happening
lifestyle to be successfulhttp://rahman360.com/?p=1378
Regards, Ram.. ~ Rαнмαη αddicт™ ~
